Holnstead (Valgora Supplement)

In the forgotten times, after the great war between Heaven and Hell, Vargach altered Valgora and gave dominion over it to the crafty ape he called man. And to each generation was born a creature of light and a creature of darkness. And great armies clashed by night in the ancient war between good and evil. There was magic then, nobility, and unimaginable cruelty. And so it was until the day that a false sun exploded over Sykuin, and man forever traded away wonder for reason.

Contents

About

The Great Plains of the Holn, more commonly known at Holnstead, are where the psuedo-nomadic Minotaurs roam. The shamanic society is both noble and brutal, depending on the observer. The second of only two countries with battle-hardened experience, the Holnist Army is always ready. The coastal capital of Stouthoof serves as the seat of Chieftain Teraul Stouthoof.

The land is famous for the mighty weapon it's resident minotaurs create and carry, known as the Holnstead Hammers.

National Politics

The minotaurs of the region are broken into twelve tribes, but have always been led by the Stouthoof. This could change soon as Teraul, the Stouthoof Chieftain, is in his twilight years-with no male offspring. His daughter, Veronice Stouthoof, is campaigning that her husband, Feral Tremtotem of the Tremtotem tribe, be elected Chief upon the death of her father. All other tribes are hoping to elect from their own ranks. This political climate has made for some intense and heated debates, but as of yet no physical altercations have taken place between the tribes.

A new intrusion upon this has been a vast cultural change beginning to take place among all the tribes. Originally supported by military veterans of the Yrengian War, a uprising towards a more military way of life has gained quick support among the Minotaurs. The race’s natural affinity to battle and their might and skill in war has led many to believe that they were meant to be warriors, not shamans. This group, which currently finds its support within the war veterans and the young adult population, may very well take charge and completely change the country’s lifestyle. How this would ‘’(or will)’’ effect Holnstead’s border countries and foreign policy has yet to be seen.

Numerous countries have operations along the Holnstead-Weinderston border to watch this cultural shift.

National Celebrities

The national pastime is Plains Running. Sprinter Gerunce Stronghorn is a national hero for his speed on the track, and has broken every record so much that he holds them all and regularly breaks his old ones.

Racial Relations

The other races of the country rely strongly on the military protection of the Minotaurs, and respect them greatly. They provide backup services to keep the militia running. Respect between the races in this particular country is high. A minotaur will speak to a Holnstead Gnome or Orc as an equal, while spitting on one from any other country.